Struts & Suspension Chassis Cam Bolts & Parts: A Complete Guide

When it comes to your vehicle's suspension system, few components are as critical—or as misunderstood—as struts and cam bolts. Whether you're tackling a DIY alignment, upgrading for better handling, or replacing worn parts, understanding how these pieces work together can save you time, money, and headaches. This guide covers everything you need to know about struts, suspension chassis cam bolts, and the parts that keep your ride smooth and safe.

What Are Struts and Their Role in Suspension?

Struts are a key structural component of many modern suspension systems. Unlike shocks, which only dampen motion, struts serve as a structural part of the suspension and often incorporate the coil spring, spring seat, and bearing plate. They support the vehicle's weight, absorb road impacts, and help maintain tire contact with the road. Most front-wheel-drive cars use MacPherson struts, which combine the shock absorber and coil spring into a single unit.

Signs Your Struts Need Replacement

• Excessive bouncing after hitting a bump
• Nose diving when braking
• Uneven tire wear (cupping or scalloping)
• Leaking fluid around the strut body
• Clunking noises over rough roads

Understanding Cam Bolts and Their Function

Cam bolts (also called eccentric bolts or adjustment bolts) are used to adjust the camber angle of the wheels. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Proper camber ensures even tire wear and stable handling. Cam bolts typically have an offset lobe that rotates to push the hub assembly in or out, altering the angle. They are often used when factory adjustments are insufficient, especially after lifting or lowering a vehicle.

Why You Might Need Cam Bolts

• After lowering springs or coilovers: Changing ride height alters suspension geometry; cam bolts restore alignment.
• After suspension component replacement: New struts or control arms may shift alignment.
• To correct excessive positive or negative camber: Common in trucks and SUVs after leveling kits.
• For track or performance setups: Fine-tuning camber for better cornering grip.

Key Components: Struts, Cam Bolts, and Related Parts

When shopping for suspension parts, you'll encounter several items that work together. Here's a breakdown:

Strut Assemblies vs. Individual Components

A complete strut assembly includes the strut, spring, spring seat, bearing mount, and sometimes the camber adjustment plate. This is the easiest replacement option—just remove the old unit and bolt in the new one. Individual components (cartridge, spring, mount) require a spring compressor and more labor but allow you to mix and match for performance or budget.

Cam Bolt Kits

A typical cam bolt kit includes: two cam bolts (one for each side of the vehicle), matching nuts, and sometimes washers. The bolts have a flat side or index mark to show the adjustment position. Higher-end kits use hardened steel to prevent bending under load. Some kits also include camber plates that replace the factory strut mounting plate for additional adjustment range.

Other Essential Parts

• Strut mounts: Rubber or polyurethane bushings that isolate vibration and allow steering rotation.
• Dust boots and bump stops: Protect the strut rod and prevent bottoming out.
• Sway bar end links: Connect the sway bar to the strut; often replaced alongside struts.
• Ball joints and tie rods: Should be inspected when doing suspension work.

How to Choose the Right Struts and Cam Bolts

Selecting the correct parts requires knowing your vehicle's specifications and your driving needs.

Vehicle Fitment

Always verify year, make, model, and sometimes submodel (e.g., sport package, four-wheel drive). Strut designs vary by generation. Use a reliable online fitment guide or consult a parts specialist. Cam bolts also vary in diameter and length—most passenger cars use 12mm or 14mm bolts, but trucks may use larger.

Strut Type: OEM vs. Performance

• OEM replacement: Direct fit, stock ride quality, budget-friendly. Best for daily drivers.
• Performance struts: Stiffer damping, lower ride height, better handling. Brands like Bilstein, KYB, and Monroe offer sport versions.
• Adjustable coilovers: Full height and damping adjustment; highest performance but more expensive and complex to set up.

Cam Bolt Adjustment Range

Standard cam bolts provide about ±1 to ±2 degrees of camber adjustment. Heavy-duty or long-slot cam bolts can offer up to ±3 degrees. For extreme alignment needs, consider camber plates or adjustable control arms.

Material and Build Quality

Look for corrosion-resistant coatings (zinc plating, phosphate) on cam bolts. Struts should be gas-charged for better response. Check warranty—most reputable brands offer limited lifetime or 2-3 years.

Installation Tips for Struts and Cam Bolts

Proper installation is crucial. Incorrect torque or alignment can lead to poor handling or part failure.

Prerequisites

• Safety: Use jack stands, never rely on a jack alone.
• Tools: Spring compressor, torque wrench, pickle fork (for ball joints), breaker bar.
• Alignment: After replacing struts and adjusting cam bolts, a professional alignment is mandatory. DIY alignment is risky.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Remove the wheel and support the lower control arm.
2. Disconnect sway bar link and brake line brackets.
3. Remove the strut mounting nuts (usually three under the hood).
4. Lower the strut assembly out; use a spring compressor if it's not a complete assembly.
5. Install the new strut (or assemble new components into the old spring).
6. Hand-tighten cam bolts in the lower mount; do not torque yet.
7. Reassemble the top mount and torque to spec.
8. Lower the vehicle to curb weight before torquing lower cam bolts.
9. Drive to alignment shop—the tech will adjust cam bolts to spec.

Cam Bolt Adjustment Procedure

During alignment, the mechanic loosens the cam bolt nuts slightly, rotates the bolt to move the hub, and re-tightens. The index marks help track changes. Some shops use a special tool for finer adjustment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-tightening cam bolts—can strip threads or distort the slot.
• Using impact wrenches on cam bolts—they can mar the head and make future adjustments difficult.
• Installing struts without torquing under load—this leads to premature bushing wear.

Costs and Where to Buy

Prices vary widely based on brand and vehicle type.

• Strut assemblies: $100–$400 each for daily drivers; performance units $200–$600+.
• Cam bolt kits: $15–$60 for a pair. Heavy-duty kits run up to $100.
• Labor: Professional installation ranges from $150–$300 per axle, plus alignment ($80–$120).

Buy from established auto parts retailers or specialty suspension shops. Avoid generic no-name brands—quality matters for safety and longevity.

Practical Recommendation

For most daily drivers, an OEM-quality complete strut assembly (like Monroe Quick-Strut or KYB Strut-Plus) paired with a mid-range cam bolt kit offers the best balance of cost, ease of installation, and reliable performance. If you lower your vehicle, invest in cam bolts with at least ±2 degrees of adjustment and consider aftermarket struts designed for lower ride heights. Always get a professional alignment after any suspension work. Remember: your suspension system is the only thing connecting your car to the road—don't compromise on quality.

By understanding the role of struts and cam bolts, you can make informed decisions that improve your vehicle's handling, tire life, and safety. Whether you're a weekend mechanic or a first-time replacer, this guide gives you the practical knowledge you need to get the job done right.